Alexandria Gazette reporter Michael Lee Pope recently published his first book, Ghosts of Alexandria, a historical telling of the ghosts that still haunt the citys most infamous sites from the unknown female spirit that haunts Gadsbys Tavern to the ghosts of the Civil Wars first casualties at the Marshall House  (now Hotel Monaco).
    
Popes book is the product of historical research, his knowledge gained from covering Alexandria and his experience as a ghost-tour guide with Alexandria Colonial Tours.
    
Its a blend of archival research and on the ground reporting, Pope said. It didnt even feel like work because I enjoy digging through the archives to unearth stories.
    
Pope will host an authors chat and book signing at the Athenaeum September 24 at 7 p.m.